The Delphi Method

· Each member independently and anonymously writes down comments and suggestions about ways to deal with a problem of issue.

· Ideas are compiled, reproduced, and distributed to members for observation and reaction.

· Each member provides feedback to the entire group concerning each of the comments and proposed solutions.

· The members reach consensus on which solution is most acceptable to the group as a whole.

Nominal Group Technique

· Individuals write (or say) the problem(s) or issue(s) and put them on flip-chart sheets that everyone can see.

· The group consolidates similar problem statements into single items.

· Group members write on a piece of paper letters corresponding to the number of problem statements the group produced.

· The facilitator makes sure that each statement has a letter in front of it and then asks the group members to vote on which problem or issue they consider most important.

· Everyone completes the list by voting what’s second-most important, and so on.

Helpful Facilitator Behaviors

· Appearing interested

· Confronting

· Correcting

· Evaluating

· Modeling

· Observing group’s needs

· Offering support

· Prompting

· Reflecting

Encouraging Participation from All

· Icebreakers

· Rotate roles

· Sit in a circle or horseshoe design

· Give participants a limited number of an item (e.g., paper clips, toothpicks) and require “payment” when the person speaks, thereby restricting individuals’ ability to dominate the meeting

· Pass a baton from person to person

· Brainstorm ideas

· Go person-by-person around the room soliciting input

· Have small-group discussion prior to all-group discussion

· Ask open-ended questions

· Call on people directly

Managing Conflict: Helpful Attitudes

· Willingness to listen and to focus on the problem, rather than on the person

· Willingness to define the problem

· Willingness to allow some anger and hostility to surface during discussion

· Willingness to commit to decisions

· Willingness to accept that one might be a part of the problem

Symptoms of Meeting Problems

· Team meetings start later and later each time.

· No meeting goal is established in the beginning.

· No agenda exists, or the agenda is not distributed in advance.

· The facilitator is not prepared or monopolizes the discussion.

· Only a few participants speak; others withdraw nonverbally.

· The meeting focuses on informational “show and tell,” rather than on planning or problem solving.

· Members interrupt each other or “cross-talk,” excluding others.

· Additional discussion occurs after the meeting in small group “triangles.”

· No conclusions are reached during the meeting.

· No plan for follow-through is developed.

· No ownership is assigned for agreed-upon tasks.

· Assignments are not completed on time.

Common Pitfalls in Group Meetings

· Unnecessary or inappropriate meetings

· Poorly organized meetings

· Inappropriate group composition or size

· Group pressure for conformity

· Faulty decision-making process

· Losing sight of the original objectives

Running an Effective Group Meeting: A Checklist

· Prepare and distribute an agenda well in advance of the meeting

· Consult with participants before the meeting to ensure proper preparation

· Establish specific time parameters

· Maintain a focused discussion

· Encourage and support participation by all members

· Encourage the clash of ideas

· Discourage the clash of personalities

· Bring closure by summarizing accomplishments and allocating follow-up assignments

Destructive Facilitator Behaviors

· Arguing with meeting participants

· Being too easygoing about role

· Giving priority to own agenda items

· Lacking good group manners

· Letting the group wander for long periods

· Manipulating and controlling discussion

· Minimizing the roles of others

· Neglecting needs of group members

· Putting group members into categories

· Telling the group what to do

· Violating group rules